Not all Indians are rich and racist – that’s a stereotype
FIRSTLY I would like to praise the EFF for its solidarity with the Palestinian people and cause. This clearly shows a group of leaders that can identify right from wrong.
As for this issue around SA Indians being racist, this needs introspection and an open mind.
Historically, Indians were only allowed on the fringes of economic activity. In the past and today there are more Indians living closer to Africans and trading side by side with Africans.
Isipingo Beach was non-racial long before the apartheid signs were dropped.
See most informal traders and houses in SA and KZN – the majority are next to or in Indian areas, as opposed to other race groups.
No two race groups would live side by side for such a sustained timespan had one been antagonistic towards the other.
Indians have been victims of all types of crime, invasions and abuse.
Not once do we, like some racist groups, start playing the race card and going overseas crying victim to highlight our issues.
In the past the EFF spoke about Indian exploitation. To date not one case has been opened or reported and it is very disturbing to know that the EFF is actually shielding such perpetrators for their benefit.
As for issues, why is it whenever a certain Indian is a problem the entire community is castigated?
Economically, Indians in SA have lagged compared to their Asian and European counterparts.
The likes of Ambani, Mittal and Agarwal who are global players and the latter two are big investors in SA. Recently, Agarwal was hosted by most SADC presidents and is probably the largest investor in the SADC region.
With regards to Indians voting DA, not all Indians have voted DA and in the previous elections the Zuma factor was a major issue. This explains why even the EFF left the ANC.
If one looks at DA-controlled councils, the Indian vote in these areas is non-existent.
Tshwane, Joburg, PE – Nelson Mandela municipality, and the Western Cape. Who voted these mayors and MECs into power? Definitely not the Indians. In KZN you should take some time and look at the Indians at the lower end of the spectrum.
Malukazi, Umkomaas, Umzinto and south of Durban is my famous example. Here I am willing to take you and your party on a tour. One proviso, this is to highlight poverty
in south of Durban and not just “poor Indians”.
The trouble with some politicians is that they are too busy with the rich Indians, that suddenly they think all Indians are rich. Indians live in RDP houses.
The former Indian schools have very high percentages of African learners where the medium of instruction is English. Go and visit Isnembe Primary school and see the chairman of the governing body is a SA Indian elected by the majority of African parents.
The Indian enrolment is nonexistent but there are Indian learners and teachers and they are managing. No issues here.
SA Indians in KZN do menial jobs, sweep streets and work as packers in supermarkets.
In the end, if you have an issue with a person, do not castigate the entire community and even the SA Indians will stand by you. MUHAMMAD OMAR
Durban North